Shindig! #35 is soon to drop (Sept. 26), and I've contributed a few entries to the list of Beatles-influenced gems, but, naturally, a few of my fave-raves were already spoke for. Pick up the new issue soon-like, but in the meantime lemme tell you about a few choice selections whose virtues will be served by the pen of another, in my own words:
The Flame – S/T
(Brother, 1970)
What combo better than sibling South Africans the Flame
(Fataar Bros – Ricky, Steve and Edries; with Blondie Chaplin) could be the only
non-Beach Boys group on their Brother Records imprint? Keepin’ it in the
family, they were successful as the Flames in their native land before
relocation to London where the keen ears of Carl Wilson—this LP’s producer—were
pricked and ferried them back ‘cross the pond. Altering the name to avoid confusion
with JB's boys stateside, they issued this consistent album of guitar-heavy, Revolver and forward harmonic delicacy
with Harrison’esque licks and a bit of Stonesy swagger to little acclaim in
1970, beyond a singles chart blip from “See the Light” b/w “Got To Get Your
Mind Made Up” (a one two-punch if there ever was one). Group members went on to
play with the Boys proper, the Rutles, Byrds, Stones and the Band. The embers
will keep smoldering till we see an official reissue and proper birth of their
2nd unreleased platter.
Rockin’ Horse – Yes It Is (Phillips, 1970)
The hydra-head strength of Jimmy Campbell (ex-Kirkbys, 23rd
Turnoff & solo) and Billy Kinsley (ex-Merseybeats, Merseys; future Liverpool
Express) was much more than that of proseful pretenders posing in the
aftermath, having been weaned on the same fruits as the Beatles in their own
time. Dialing back after rural sojourns
and stylistic diversions, they wanted to create something inspired by their
initial turn-ons and penned one of the most potent, soul-wrenching power pop
records extant. Probing the pop planet (being pioneered by Badfinger and others at the time), they
hit with a double-shot opener of “Biggest Gossip in Town” and “Oh Carol, I’m So
Sad”—the former their A-side single release, and both comped as the maiden 45
voyage on Greg Shaw’s Voxx empire. The only thing that should be “lost” about
this platter is the feelings it imbues with pathos-drenched tunes like “Stayed
Out Late Last Night” and “Don’t You Ever Think I Cry”. This top of the pop
canon album should be owned by all. Not only one of my favorite moments of Beatle'esque outstretching, but one of my favorite albums, and a real class package was produced/reissued by Sing Sing Records just a few years back, which you can knab here.
I've surely got more horses [NPI] in the race (may even have a few more additions forthcoming), but what are your faves?
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